Hillsborough Castle & Gardens Half Marathon 

This traffic-free half-marathon is part of the Hillsborough Castle & Gardens Running Festival.

The magnificent Hillsborough Castle & Gardens is the official residence of the Royal Family in Northern Ireland, and has stood since the 18th century. The castle and its beautiful grounds are steeped in elegance and history.

Starting and finishing at Hillsborough Castle & Gardens, the course will take in the glorious local sights, including Hillsborough Lake and the Castle and Gardens grounds. This course allows you to enjoy the beautiful surroundings on the paths, free from traffic.

The multi-terrain route will be marked with signage, and there’ll be plenty of marshals to keep you on track and to encourage you on your way to the finish.

See the route map and elevation here.

Click here to see the 2025 Festival's highlights video.

Sign up at join #TeamShine! 

Would you like to take part?

Date: Sunday 26th July 2026 
Location: Hillsborough Castle & Gardens, County Down 
Registration fee: £25
Minimum sponsorship pledge: £200 
 
When you join #TeamShine you will receive:

• Shine running vest  
• Access to fundraising resources, tips and advice.  
• Ongoing support from our dedicated fundraising team to help you reach your target  

Charity places

Shine has a limited number of charity places available. Book your spot on the start line today by clicking ‘sign up now’. Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so act fast to avoid disappointment.

Do you have your own place?

If you have a general entry place in the race, we would love you to be a part of #TeamShine! With no minimum sponsorship pledge or registration fee, we simply ask you to raise as much as you can to support members and families affected by spina bifida and hydrocephalus. Plus, you'll have access to all the great benefits above. 

To join Shine with your own place, please complete this short form.

Accessibility

This course is multi-terrain and not suitable for wheelchair users or for running with buggies. 

More information

Please note that the course is multi-terrain.

Please also note that due to the narrow nature of the course and restrictions enforced by the venue, dogs are not permitted on the course, in the event village, or anywhere in the Castle & Gardens grounds. (Guide dogs are permitted).

For more information about the event, please see the event's website.

If you need any more information before signing up or have any questions for our fundraising team, get in touch by completing this short form.
 
Please note - it is only possible to buy one ticket at a time. If you're signing up as a team, each person will need to purchase their own ticket.

Get in touch